A-Level results day 2017: Everything you need to know

A-Level results day is approaching... Here's everything you need to know about the day

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Next week, thousands of students up and down the country will be anxiously opening the results they have anticipated for months.

A-Level results day is on Thursday, August 17, meaning many pupils will get the grades they need for university, but others will be left disappointed by their marks.

Although many envision the idea that university is the key to success, it’s vital to remember that it isn't the only option available to students.

A-Level results day is a worrying time for students up and down the country

While the clearing system may help you secure a place at university, students may want to consider vocational training, or the chance to learn and earn on the job by taking up an apprenticeship.

In some cases, you can bag yourself a paid job while studying for a degree at the same time.

When is A-level results day?

This year, results day falls on Thursday, August 17.

What do I do on results day?

The best thing to do is to arrive to your school or college early with all the details you might need. This may include information about your module results as well as GCSE grades, your UCAS personal ID and your UCAS Clearing number if you applied to clearing.

Results day will determine whether Burton and South Derbyshire students get a place at university or not

I’ve opened my results – what next?

The first thing to do is to check Track – UCAS’ online tracking system where you can see how your university application is progressing. Here, you can reply to offers by accepting or declining your place.

Students will be able to find out if they got into university when track opens at 8am on Thursday, August 17.

My grades are a lot better than expected – what do I do?

If you've met or exceeded your conditional offer, you might be tempted to apply to courses with higher grade requirements.

If you’re lucky enough for this to be the case, you can visit the UCAS Adjustment service to reconsider your university choice.

Students should remember that university is not the only key to success

My grades are not what I need, but are still OK…

More often than not, universities and colleges are lenient with grade requirements when it comes to results day, so your choice may accept you anyway.

Depending on how well your exams go, you might get a place on your insurance choice.

You may be offered an alternative course by the university or college called a “changed course offer”, which you’ll then need to either accept or decline.

If you don’t get offered a place at all, you can search through the Clearing service to see what courses still have vacancies. If no decisions are showing, call your universities or colleges to find out more.

I’m massively let down by my grades…

The first point of call would be to search through the Clearing service to see which courses still have spaces for students across the country.

Secondly, you could find out more information about exam re-marks. You’ll need to try and arrange the re-mark as quickly as possible and make sure you keep your university or college up to date with what’s going on.

If you can’t see any courses or universities you like through clearing, you can look into other options like a gap year, work or an apprenticeship.

Rob Goodyer, Head of Business Development and Employability at Burton and South Derbyshire College, wants to reassure A-level students that there are plenty of options open to them if they do not receive the grades they hoped.

He said: “Students receiving their A Level results have got many options available to them, including studying university level courses at college, studying degree level courses at university or undertaking an apprenticeship in their chosen field.

“Apprenticeships have expanded over the years and there are now a number of higher-level apprenticeships in high-skilled professions, targeted at people who have just completed their A levels.

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“These qualifications can also act as an alternative route to university, allowing students to study all the way up to a master's and a degree apprenticeship.

“There are plenty of apprenticeship opportunities in the local area for people with the skills, experience and commitment that employers are looking for.”

If you have secured a place…

Congratulations! All the hard work paid off and you’re on your way to university. Your confirmation letter should appear in Track five to seven days after your place is confirmed – your letter is not emailed or posted to you.

You can also check out the National Careers Service, where you can explore different careers, look at education possibilities and search for work.

Students looking for more information about applying for apprenticeships or organisations thinking of taking on an apprentice can contact the Business Development team at Burton and South Derbyshire College on 01283 494510.